The specter of death looms large in our lives. For many, it is an unwelcome guest at the table of our existence. It’s a reality as inevitable as the setting sun, casting long shadows of fear and reminiscence. Death, more certain than the fortunes of nations, is a subject we often tiptoe around, despite its inescapable presence.
Reality is, we’ve all borne witness to the departure of those we hold dear. Recently, I journeyed with a family I love in burying their dad, who was a great friend. These moments urge us to pause, to ponder the profound mystery of life itself.
Our instinct is often to shy away from these somber reflections, to bury the thought of losing a cherished one whose vitality may be waning. The mere contemplation can stir a tempest of emotions within us, a storm we’d rather not weather.
Dealing with Dying
Our collective response to death’s memory is best characterized by evasion. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, in her seminal work “On Grief and Grieving,” co-authored with David Kessler, outlines the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Even the prospect of death’s future arrival can trigger these responses. It’s a testament to our shared humanity.
To soften death’s harsh reality, we’ve crafted a litany of euphemisms. Phrases like “passed away,” “journeyed home,” “called home,” or “asleep” are woven into our discourse, lending a gentler hue to the stark black and white of mortality.
Death for the Believer
For us, as Christians, referring to death as “asleep” is not empty consolation. It’s a comforting metaphor for someone who departs this world in the Lord’s embrace.
Saint Paul reassures us, “But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope” (I Thes 4:13). He reminds us that our mortal journey does not end here, but continues in the divine communion of the Trinity.
In the Christian faith, death is intertwined with hope. Christ, our resurrection and life, is the beacon of this hope. As the Lord himself promises, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (Jn 11:25).
The sorrow of losing a loved one is a heavy burden to bear. Yet, we take solace in the knowledge that to die in the Lord is to sleep, only to awaken in glory.
Thus, accepting death as “sleeping in the Lord” brings comfort, a serene understanding that we will rise again in a heavenly home of bliss, joy, and glory. Yet, it is comfort that starts now, for in Christ we receive the “glad tidings” (Luke 4:18) that fills our hearts, the poor of the Lord, with joy. We’re certain of the saving grace, which the Lord has brought for us, a heavenward jubilee, moment of divine favor (Luke 4:19).
Therefore, may we all pray for the grace of a peaceful end. May there be no surprises as we live in the now, in the measure as possible, what will come in heaven. May we also embrace what it takes to die well and not be afraid whenever death comes. Amen.
God loves you. God bless you.
Fr. Maurice Emelu
[Monday Week 22 Ordinary Time A: 1 Thes 4:13-18; Lk 4:16-30]
Death is definitely the Elephant in the room as we age and observe not the generation of our parents -but own begin to die. I have two concerns, neither resolvable apart from my trust in God. I worry about Melinda, my wife, if I should go first, but perhaps as a reflection of my marriage, I worry more about me if she should go first. The virtue of hope -trusting God, grows with the full realization of an inability to solve an unavoidable situation. Some trust God, when they have run out of all other options. The true believer turns to God first, even before deploying their own resources. For type “A” personalities, this can be a life long struggle, but God has been a patient teacher with me. It’s an interesting reality that as I become older, perhaps more mature in my faith, but also because of a decreasing ability to take care of my problems, I am more humble, and turn to Him much sooner than I did in the strength my youth. His plan, including the necessity of dying, is calculated to draw us to Him. Blessed be God and blessed be His holy name.
Thank you, Father Maurice, for sharing.